Ambrosia dumosa, commonly known as White Bursage or Burrobush, is one of the most ecologically important native shrubs of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Though often overlooked due to its modest appearance, this plant plays a critical role in desert ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, stabilizing soils, and offering a dependable, drought-tolerant choice for native landscaping and habitat restoration projects.

White Bursage is a low-growing, rounded shrub that typically reaches between 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. Its foliage is light gray-green and covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, silvery appearance that reflects sunlight and helps conserve moisture. During the growing season, the plant produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers, which are wind-pollinated and often go unnoticed. In late summer to fall, it forms small burs that contain seeds—a key food source for desert rodents and birds.

Though its flowers are subtle, its ecological value is immense. In the wild, Ambrosia dumosa forms a dominant understory layer, acting as a nurse plant that protects the seedlings of other desert species like cacti, creosote bush, and Joshua trees. Its deep, extensive root system helps prevent erosion and stabilize desert soils. In fact, in many desert habitats, White Bursage is considered a keystone species, meaning its presence benefits a wide variety of other organisms.

One of the greatest strengths of Ambrosia dumosa is its extreme drought tolerance. This plant thrives with as little as 2 to 8 inches of rainfall per year, making it ideal for xeriscaping, restoration efforts, and wildlife gardens in arid and semi-arid climates. It is adapted to hot summers, alkaline soils, and full sun, and requires no irrigation once established. In landscaped settings, it provides a soft textural contrast to bolder desert plants like agave, cactus, and ocotillo.

White Bursage is also valued for its ability to blend seamlessly into naturalistic desert gardens. Its subdued tones, rounded form, and seasonal rhythm provide balance and authenticity in low-maintenance landscapes. While it is not typically grown for ornamental showiness, it is indispensable in creating functional, waterwise, and ecologically sound gardens.

Propagation is typically done by seed. Seeds should be planted in the fall or winter to take advantage of natural cold stratification and winter rains. Germination may be slow and irregular, but once established, the plant is remarkably resilient and long-lived.

Why Grow Ambrosia dumosa?

Highly drought tolerant – thrives in extremely arid conditions
Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8
Supports desert biodiversity as a nurse plant and seed source
Erosion control and soil stabilization capabilities
Perfect for restoration, mitigation, and revegetation projects
Blends well in native and low-water-use landscapes
No irrigation required after establishment
Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts

Ambrosia dumosa is most suitable for gardens and restoration sites in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, particularly in elevations from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. It performs best with full sun, gravelly or sandy soils, and minimal disturbance.

Whether you’re a conservationist working on a habitat restoration project, a landscaper designing a sustainable desert garden, or a nursery stocking native plant selections, Ambrosia dumosa is a foundational species that delivers both ecological function and low-maintenance reliability. While not flashy, its value lies in what it does for the land—and for the many species that rely on it to survive in the harsh desert climate.